VP, Creative - Pharma Copy

Merge•Chicago, KS

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant. This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives. Emerge to the Top of Your Career At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive creative experience in an advertising agency or health/pharma Agency of Record (AOR), with 4+ years in direct supervisory or creative management roles.
Demonstrated portfolio showcasing the ability to build, scale, and maintain complex visual design systems and omnichannel brand languages.
Proven ability to turn complex clinical evidence and deep HCP/patient insights into elegant visual solutions.
Extensive expertise in digital-first design, interactive media, and component-based design architecture (e.g., Figma).
Exceptional communication, storytelling, and presentation skills with a track record of defending creative strategy before C-suite client stakeholders.
Demonstrated success leading and winning high-value new business pitches.
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Advertising, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or equivalent practical experience.
Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

Responsibilities

Serve as the executive creative leader driving the vision, visual architecture, and overarching creative strategy for high-stakes healthcare accounts and brands.
Architect scalable, multi-channel design frameworks and narratives that transform complex clinical insights into powerful visual stories.
Establish foundational creative benchmarks, elevate agency craft, defend strategic creative direction before executive stakeholders, and solidify lead strategic agency status.
Serve as a key driver of agency growth, talent development, and culture.
Architect Scalable Ecosystems: Establish and oversee the overarching visual architecture, brand platforms, and modular design languages that ensure consistency, impact, and efficiency across complex, multi-channel healthcare ecosystems.
Elevate Storytelling: Translate complex clinical data, scientific insights, and overarching brand strategy into compelling executive-level creative narratives.
Lead Strategic Client Engagement: Serve as a primary creative contact for senior client executives; articulate, defend, and champion strategic creative visions that align with business and market goals.
Set Creative Standards: Define and maintain the standard for creative excellence, ensuring all output balances breakthrough innovation with strict medical, legal, and regulatory (MLR) compliance.
Drive New Business Development: Lead creative strategy and execution for pitch opportunities—from early insight gathering and narrative positioning to high-stakes client pitch presentations.
Pillar Alignment: Partner seamlessly with executive Copy, Strategy, and Account Leadership to build unified brand platforms that solidify Lead Strategic Agency positioning.
Operational & Production Oversight: Collaborate with cross-functional leadership and production teams to ensure work is delivered efficiently, scalably, and at the highest level of craft.
Mentorship & Talent Architecture: Direct, inspire, and grow mid- to senior-level creative talent, instilling a "systems-first" design approach and fostering an environment of creative rigour.
Creative Quality Control: Act as a critical judge and partner, providing constructive, actionable guidance that elevates concepts from good to groundbreaking.
Culture & Innovation: Stay ahead of healthcare, technology, and design trends—integrating modern digital frameworks (e.g., component-based platforms, AI-enabled processes) into daily agency workflows.